ANALYSIS OF INFECTIOUS MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IMPLICATION ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC - CASE STUDY OF ŠUMADIJA DISTRICT (REPUBLIC OF SERBIA)

Magdalena Nikolić; Vladimir Tomašević; Dragan Ugrinov; Brankica  Pažun; Zlatko  Langović

doi:10.59267/ekoPolj23041059N

Authors

Magdalena Nikolić University “Union - Nikola Tesla”, School of Engineering Management, Vojvode Mišića Boulevard no. 43, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2021-153X
Vladimir Tomašević University “Union - Nikola Tesla”, School of Engineering Management, Vojvode Mišića Boulevard no. 43, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9845-2950
Dragan Ugrinov University of Economics Academy, Faculty of Europe “Kallos”, Ratarski put no.8a, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5387-820X
Brankica Pažun University “Union - Nikola Tesla”, School of Engineering Management, Vojvode Mišića Boulevard no. 43, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9452-5064
Zlatko Langović University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and TourismUniversity of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism, Vojvodjanska bb, 36210 Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0248-0453

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59267/ekoPolj23041059N

Keywords:

sustainable agriculture, human health, financial stability, SARSCOV 2, infectious medical waste

Abstract

Agriculture is the world’s most important industry. According to the structure, Šumadija district is mainly composed of arable land and gardens, which make up 69%. The increased amount of COVID-19 waste generated from medical activities in rural areas needs to be properly handled due to its contagious, even lethal properties. The aim of this study is an analysis of two drivers through the generation of COVID-19 waste, Central and local treatment site, proposed transport routes, and total cost in Šumadija district. Results showed the economic costs of transportation increased 2.5 times compared to before and after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the increase in health risk was correlated to the increase in the per capita cost of transportation along the transportation routes. Analyses of human health risks and detailed financial calculations gave a clear insight in infectious waste management possible influence on agriculture.

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